Bill seeks mandatory participation in debates
A lawmaker has filed a bill in the House of Representatives that seeks to require national and local election candidates to participate in debates organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) “to assess the quality of leadership” that they wish to offer.
“I believe the bill, if approved, will be a major piece of legislation, which will enhance our democratic election process,” Siquijor Rep. Rav Rocamora said in a statement.
According to Rocamora, House Bill (HB) 8549 will ensure that voters are given sufficient information on the platform of the candidates running in the 2019 mid-term elections.
“By requiring election debates, we afford the voting public the chance to scrutinize the candidates. This is part of ushering in better quality of elections, from the campaigning down to the vote itself,” he said.
Absence in the debate will qualify as an election offense and ground for disqualification, except in cases of hospital confinement, temporary detention or similar grounds that prevent their attendance.
HB 8549 provides that the Comelec will be the agency in charge of organizing the debates together with at least three civic organizations or people’s organizations.
The time, date, venue and the rules of the debates are to be agreed upon together with the candidates or their representatives.
The bill also provides that the debates must also include a discussion of the priority projects and programs of the candidates and their stand on the most pressing local and national issues affecting their constituencies.
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